Low-dose Nifedipine-Valsartan Combination Compared to Up-titrated Valsartan Monotherapy in Essential Hypertension

This will be a multi-center, prospective, randomized, open-label, parallel design, two arm comparator trial. In the proposed study, the investigators will compare low-dose combination therapy of Nifedipine GITS/OROS plus Valsartan with up-titrated monotherapy of Valsartan with respect to their blood pressure-decreasing effects in patients with essential hypertension.The study consists of a screening visit, followed by randomization and administration of either Nifedipine GITS/OROS 30 mg in combination with Valsartan 80 mg or Valsartan 160 mg for 12 weeks of treatment.The primary efficacy parameters will be mean SBP and DBP on office BP monitoring at 12 weeks of treatment compared to baseline.